A Changing Understanding of GERD-Related Cough

Acid doesn't seem to be a determinant of cough.

Although cough is a well-recognized “extraesophageal manifestation” of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it does not respond well to acid suppression with proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), especially in patients who do not have typical GERD symptoms of heartburn or regurgitation.

To identify determinants of cough in GERD, researchers in Europe evaluated 24-hour esophageal pH impedance pressure monitoring results (off PPIs) in 49 patients identified with reflux-induced cough. They compared characteristics of reflux episodes with and without an accompanying cough burst (≥2 rapid simultaneous pressure peaks within 3 seconds). A reflux episode was defined as an orally progressing sequential drop in impedance to <50% of baseline value and was …

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors